Novolin Insulin – Discontinued

Novolin Insulin is the brand name of a family of insulin products sold by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. As of January 1,2010, the company has discontinued the line of products. Interestingly, the company provided no reason for the decision and no other recommended replacements within its other insulin product offerings.

Prior to being discontinued, the Novolin product family came in primarily 4 different versions. Different versions offered different delivery methods.

Novolin R. This was a regular human insulin injection with rDNA origin. The onset was approximately 30 minutes. The peak was between 2.5-5 hours. The duration was approximately 8 hours

Novolin N. This was a long lasting NHP human insulin isophane suspension with rDNA origin. The onset was approximately 90 minutes. The peak was between 4-12 hours. The duration was approximately 24 hours.

Novolin L. This was a long lasting Lente human insulin in a zinc suspension with rDNA origin. The onset was approximately 2.5 hours. The peak was between 7-15 hours. The duration was approximately 22 hours.

Novolin 70/30. This was a Long Lasting 70 percent NHP human insulin isophane suspension and 30 percent regular human insulin injection, with rDNA origin. The onset was approximately 30 minutes. The peak was between 2-12 hours. The duration was approximately 24 hours.

Like all insulin, individuals often needed several adjustments of the medication before they found the most effective dosing for their needs.

Taking Novolin Insulin

Most of the Novolin products were directed at achieving longer lasting blood glucose control levels. For example, it is common for those taking Novolin 70/30 to take the medication just one time every 24 hours and they will see improvements to blood sugar control within 30 minutes.

The best results are often between two and twelve hours of taking the medication. Nonetheless, each person would have different results when taking any form of insulin, including the various Novolin insulin.

Warnings and Concerns

Like any other type of medication, some people had allergic reactions to Novolin. Though rare, some people would develop raised rashes at the injection site. Others may have had severe reactions which may include difficulty breathing or confusion, dizziness and nausea. If you had any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Like all insulin, the following guidelines need to be followed.

If use disposable needles, never use the same needle more than what is recommended, generally a one time use. You should never share needles with others.

If you use an injection pen, the pen will help to control the amount of insulin you take in. Always know what your doctor’s recommendations are and follow them as closely as is possible.

Novolin insulin needed to be taken at the same time each day to ensure that your treatment is effective. Your doctor would tell you exactly when to take medications. Pregnant women needed to discuss special treatment requirements.

Replacements For Novolin

Curiously, Novo Nordisk did not specifically recommend any replacement insulin. Nonetheless, other possible choices within the Novo Nordisk product line include Levemir Insulin and the Novolog product lines.